Animals of the Zoo: Ruffed lemur (with video)

Sex: The Detroit Zoo is home to four black-and-white ruffed lemurs (one male and three females). They are the largest of the lemur species. They get their name from the long white hair that forms a “ruff” around their cheeks and under their chin. They share their habitat at the Detroit Zoo with ring-tailed lemurs.

Average life span in captivity: Black-and-white ruffed lemurs usually live into their 20s.

Length: About four feet, including a two-foot tail.

Weight: 6-1/2 to 10 pounds.

Birth: Up to four young are born after a gestation period of 90-102 days. Unlike ring-tailed lemurs, who carry their babies with them, black-and-white ruffed lemur mothers leave their offspring in a nest constructed of leaves and twigs while feeding. She then returns to the nest to nurse them. Falls that are fatal to the baby can occur. If the baby has to be moved, mom carries it in her mouth. There have been three black-and-white ruffed lemurs born at the Detroit Zoo in recent years.

Sounding off: Lemurs make a variety of unusual vocalizations that may sound “spooky” (lemur means “ghost” in Latin). If you’re fortunate, you can hear their loud, raucous calls at the zoo. “That’s a unique vocalization among primates,” said Bob Lessnau, curator of mammals at the Detroit Zoo. “That’s basically used for territorial displays, marking their territories, and communication among family members.”

Now you know: Lemurs are primates (with opposable thumbs and binocular vision) and are related to great apes and monkeys. Lemurs cannot hang from their long, bushy tails, but instead use them for balance while moving through the trees. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are arboreal and spend most of their time in trees, as opposed to ring-tailed lemurs, who spend more time on the ground. Lemurs use smell to communicate, scent-marking to let other individuals know they were there.

Mom rules the roost: Lemurs have a complex social structure. Unlike great apes or monkeys, females are dominant and claim priority in feeding. That’s because they need lots of energy for carrying and caring for offspring.